Friday, May 17, 2013

1. Jude has been perfecting his gaming talent with a Lego Star Wars Xbox game that is on loan to him. These are pretty much the greatest days of his life!

2. Michael isn't too interested in tummy time for his 17 lbs. self!

3. We made avocado dip a few weeks ago when my sister came to visit. I bought avocados the day before and they were in no way ripe. After some googling, I discovered putting the avocados in a brown bag with an apple would speed up the ripening process. They were perfect in 24 hours! (And so was the tomato I stuck in there, too!) All guacamole cravings will no longer be waiting on avocados to ripen!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Last night was night #3 of no bink for Miss Ellen! We weren't necessarily planning on ditching the habit at the moment, but it just kind of happened. (Unlike when the time came for Clare to let it go and we had a plan that was set up weeks in advance!) Ellen was starting to sneak her bink during the day, which ultimately led to her losing the last one we had. I seriously have no idea where the last man standing went...and hopefully Ellen isn't the one that somehow finds it!

In other news, I'm taking Michael in for his 2 month check up today. I'm thinking he's not going to have a problem hitting the 100+ percentile for weight!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Today our self-named "Best Guy" turns 5. He has grown into a sweet little boy. (I'll be the first to admit he invented the "terrible twos!") He is my "baby whisperer" and is always the first one to go to Michael when he starts to fuss. (And is quite good at calming him down, too!) He is independent and laid-back. He has a contagious laugh and gets compliments on his constant smile. He is curious. He is reliable. He is a good friend. He will most likely eat me out of house and home one day with his constant, and diverse, appetite. He loves animals and Star Wars. And he loves to play outside, rain, snow, or sunshine.

Playing it cool while playing on the Xbox.

I have to agree with what Ryan said the other day, "I can't believe Jude is going to be 5!"

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

1. Jose Cuervo Light Margaritas. Salted. I was just pregnant last summer and didn't get to enjoy many of these once the warm weather was upon us. To me these really are the perfect summertime adult beverage!

2. Downton Abby. I'm late in the game on this one (better late than never, right?!) so we've settled into a routine of watching one every night. (Other adults in our house may not admit to partaking in this viewing, but I assure you they indeed are!) Perfect activity when you're nursing and nursing and nursing a certain 2 month old to bed!

From the cover you can tell I've had it (and referenced it) since Clare was born. It's nice to get a refresher as to what Michael will be up to next. I seriously forget what milestones we're approaching each time I have a baby. And upon reading that Michael would enjoy black and white pictures, I have our favorite infant book on reserve for him at the library:

4. Visitors! We were lucky enough to have my younger sister, Aunt Margaret, here for a few days. The kids enjoyed her visit very much. I know she reallllly enjoyed listening to Green Eggs and Ham and playing Just Dance 4!

5. The hubs! Ryan was on a 5 day business trip and is now home! Hooray! I think Ellen is the happiest of all!

Monday, May 6, 2013

I had my Easter wreath up on our front door the entire month of April and decided it was time to exchange it for something new. I found this idea for an easy burlap wreath on pinterest and got to work while Michael was napping this weekend. I think the whole thing took me 20 minutes tops and with coupons from Michaels cost about $6.

I used an 18 inch wire wreath form and 1 - 10 yard package of burlap.

Simply weave the burlap in and out of the wire form making large loops.

Friday, May 3, 2013

We broke out the Mexican food early even though Cinco de Mayo is still a few days away... Mostly because this dip is awesome...and mostly because we currently have an awesome houseguest! :) This is a lighter, almost whipped, version of a guacamole. So delicious that there are no leftovers to be found here!

Avocado Dip

1 package of cream cheese (softened) (I used Neufchatel cheese)

2 avocados

1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper sauce (red hot) (although I didn't have any and this turned out just fine)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

At the end of every MOPS year, we do a "Favorite Things" meeting. (Oprah-inspired, but on a much smaller scale.) Everyone brings one of their favorite things, shares what they love about it, and then it's raffled off to someone in the group. (Everyone ends up with one "thing.") The items are all no more than $10. It's always fun to see what everyone brings and to take home a potential new favorite thing!

Hello my name is...

I have been married for 9 years to a husband that makes me laugh everyday. I stay at home with our 4 kiddos and spend my days folding laundry, filling sippy cups, and thinking of ways to make our house a home. My husband will tell you my one weakness is a bag of oreos...and I would have to agree!